OBON, 2002
ABOUT
The title refers to the annual Obon festival, in which the Japanese remember and honor the dead, a metaphor that underlies the work. OBON includes tales by Lafcadio Hearn with others drawn from the beloved classic collection of Japanese ghost stories Ugetsu Monogatari, first published in the 18th Century. OBON weaves together three Japanese ghost stories to create a realm of mystery and strange beauty, a place where dark humor and ancient truths converge. OBON’s macabre fun is intended to transport modern audiences to a realm of mystery and strange beauty, to a place where dark humor and ancient truths converge.
PRODUCTION
Written and Directed by: Ping Chong
Stage Manager: Stacey Roberts
Music Score: Guy Klucevsek
Puppet Choreography: Fred C. Riley III
Set & Lighting Design: Randy Ward
Sound Design: David Meschter
Projection Design: Jan Hartley
Props/Masks/Puppets: Atsushi Yamato
CAST
Jodi Eichelberger, Aya T. Kanai, Jennifer Kato, Fred C. Riley III, Sam Word with the recorded voices of Esther Chae, Ping Chong, Brian Hallas, Jennifer Kato, Michael Rohd, Jeffrey Rose, Louise Smith, Ching Valdez
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
Workshop:
Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle, WA (December 2001)
Premiere:
Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston, SC (May 2002)
Tour:
Seattle Repertory Theater, Seattle WA (November 2002); Tokyo, Toyama and 0ther cities (summer 2003)
Click HERE for our behind-the-scenes Tumblr page and many others
PRESS
OBON: TALES OF RAIN AND MOONLIGHT, Variety Review, Apr. 29, 2002 (Right Click to View)
MULTIMEDIA
Photos:
Click here to view full gallery
Video Clips:
HUGE Puppets! ABC News4
PRODUCING PARTNERS
Ping Chong and Company and the Seattle Repertory Theatre
FUNDERS
OBON is co-commissioned by Seattle Repertory Theatre, Spoleto Festival USA, and Conversation & Company, Tokyo Japan.
OBON has been developed with support from Japan-US Partnership for the Performing Arts, The Japan Foundation, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs/Challenge Program, National Endowment for the Arts, The Rockefeller Foundation, Asian Cultural Council, New York State Council on the Arts, and The Jim Henson Foundation.
OBON Japan Tour is made possible in part by funds from Japan – US Friendship Commission.